Experience Life : Whole Life

The Talk You Haven't Had

By Alyssa Ford — 2008-08-01

We're all going to face end-of-life decisions eventually. Why not start talking about them now?

RAGBRAI!

By Sarah Tuff — 2008-08-01

The annual ride across Iowa offers an exhilarating test of fitness and a large dose of Midwestern hospitality.

The Loneliness Trap

By Jon Spayde — 2008-08-01

Feeling cut off from others can do more than make you sad - it can make you sick.

Reinventing Retirement

By Sarah Moran — 2008-08-01

You work and work, and then what? Best case: You step into a reality designed around your passions and priorities. Here are some tips for making it happen - when and how you choose.

5 Ways to Practice Happiness

By Joseph Hart — 2008-08-01

When it comes to the quest for greater happiness, waiting and hoping are out. Learning and practicing are in. Here's how to create your own happy reality - starting now.

Inspiration and Motivation

2008-08-01

Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made. -Wayne Dyer

Mind-Body Adventure

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2008-06-01

Blend mind-body practices with adrenaline-pumping sports, and you get a hybrid adventure that challenges you and keeps you grounded.

Pet Peeves

By Jon Spayde — 2008-06-01

The little irritations we face every day can lead to dangerous levels of stress. Here's how to cope.

Virtual Assistant, Real Help

By Greg Samza — 2008-06-01

Wishing you could outsource some time-consuming, annoying or boring tasks? With a virtual-assistant service you can. And help is only an email or phone call away.

The Skillful Life

By Experience Life Staff — 2008-06-01

When it comes to enjoying a healthy, happy life, good intentions will get you just so far. You also need practical skills in a variety of areas - from health and fitness to relationships and finance. Here's an action plan for assessing and building the skill sets that matter most to you right now.

Gut Feelings

By Alyssa Ford — 2008-06-01

By cultivating your intuitive skills, you'll be able to listen more closely to what your body is trying to tell you.

Sail Away

By Sarah Tuff — 2008-05-01

Whether you want to learn the ropes or just feel the wind in your hair, sailing is an exhilarating - and affordable - getaway for the whole family.

Goodbye, Friend

By Anjula Razdan — 2008-05-01

Saying ”so long” to a played-out friendship is never easy. Here's how to do it with grace.

One Tough Choice

By Courtney Helgoe — 2008-05-01

When top values compete for your time and attention, how do you choose between them? Here are a few strategies to help you make tough decisions with confidence.

The 'Real' You

By Sarah Moran — 2008-05-01

Clinging to outdated notions of who you are can keep you from reaching your full potential. Here's how to embrace your true self.

The Right Way to Ask

By Sarah Moran — 2008-04-01

Master the art of asking for what you want, and you're a lot more likely to get the things that really matter.

All Over It: How to Eliminate Goal-Blocking Obstacles for Good

By Courtney E. Martin — 2008-04-01

Is your resolve dissolving in the midst of setbacks and challenges? Here's how to spot the obstacles blocking your way - and then put them behind you.

Restore the Land, Restore Yourself

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2008-04-01

Threatened native habitats offer an opportunity for service amid some of the country's most stunning landscapes.

"You've Changed"

By Anjula Razdan — 2008-04-01

You'd like your loved ones to be happy and supportive about your positive life transformations. But what if they're not?

The Delegating Doctor Oz

By Laine Bergeson — 2008-03-01

Best-selling author and surgeon Mehmet Oz is a world-renowned health expert, but he believes you can do part of his job better than he can.

Getting Past Perfect

By Erin Peterson — 2008-03-01

As a busy company president and mother of three active children, Jean Kane has carved out better life balance - and deeper satisfaction - by making choices that sync with her core values.

No-Vacation Nation

By John de Graaf — 2008-03-01

Americans are getting fewer and fewer days off. This lack of paid vacation, say many experts, doesn't just translate into less time spent at the beach. An unhealthy work-life balance affects not only our health and well-being, but our families and our society as a whole. Here's what we can do about it.

Escape the Office

By Kelle Walsh — 2008-03-01

An off-site team experience that focuses on rest and relaxation may be just what you and your colleagues need to rekindle your energy - and your team spirit.

The Bully at Work

By Anjula Razdan — 2008-03-01

A workplace bully can wreak havoc on not just your job but your personal life, too. The good news? You don't have to suffer in silence.

Get Creative

By Jon Spayde — 2008-03-01

Expressing your creativity is an important part of living, growing and becoming your best self. Here's why creativity matters - and how to bring more of it back into your everyday world.

Getting to No

By Colby Johnson — 2008-03-01

Trying to please everybody all the time can result in a life lived in half measures. Learning to say no can bring you new focus and fulfillment.

Ditching Disposables

By Kaeti Hinck — 2008-02-01

And other news and notes: simple childhood treats that can help you refuel post-workout; the downside of too much TV before bed; and the benefits of exercising just three days a week.

Resolutions Workshop 2008: Support Tactics

By Alyssa Ford — 2008-02-01

You've crafted your New Year's resolutions with care. Now comes the tricky part: translating intention into action - ideally, the ongoing kind. For this, you need more than a wing and a prayer. You need pragmatic support systems and the good sense to put them to work.

A Trip in Good Taste

By Debra Bokur — 2008-02-01

Take a culinary vacation to learn about healthier, more creative ways to cook - and discover the culture, history and geography behind what you eat.

Conscious Bookkeeping

By Courtney Helgoe — 2008-02-01

Determined to take charge of your finances this year? Having trouble sticking to a budget - or balancing your checkbook? Try Conscious Bookkeeping.

A Change for the Better

By Jamie Martin — 2008-02-01

Natural lifestyle expert Sara Snow shares her lifelong experience of healthy eating and simple living in hopes of empowering others to make more rewarding and sustainable choices.

Stop Storing Stress

By Karen Olson — 2008-02-01

Say goodbye to your stored-up stuff and you'll not only reduce your stress levels - you'll create space in your life for new experiences and possibilities.

Embrace a Bold Vision

By Erin Peterson — 2008-02-01

Envision your ideal reality. Be willing to adjust your action plan. Then harness the power of hope to build a better life - and a better world.

Pulling Together

By Kelle Walsh — 2007-12-01

Escape with your dog to snowy climes this winter and discover the fast-paced and exhilarating sport of skijoring.

Health and Justice for All

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-12-01

Van Jones works to bring a clean environment and a healthy way of life to the urban poor.

When Something's Gotta Give

By Joseph Hart — 2007-12-01

How do you choose between all the good things going on in your life? By clarifying your values and learning to let go.

Live Better With Less

By Mark Matousek — 2007-12-01

If you think the road to satisfaction is paved with material wealth, author Bill KcKibben says you're headed down the wrong path.

Learning to Sit Still

By Patrick Downes — 2007-12-01

Whether you're at home or the office, whether you have five minutes or 20, you can meditate. Really. Here's a beginner's guide.

Down(hill) but Not Out

By Kaeti Hinck — 2007-11-01

Olympic downhill skier Lindsey Kildow has faced some daunting injuries. But her strong spirit and her willingness to take time to heal have kept her coming out on top.

Healing Journeys

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2007-11-01

Taking a retreat - in the great outdoors or at a relaxing spa - can help you weather the trials of life with more ease and more peace.

You Snooze, You Win

By Sarah Moran — 2007-11-01

Getting enough sleep is essential to health, happiness and productivity. Here's how to give your slumber the priority it deserves.

Shame Shifting

By Andi McDaniel — 2007-11-01

Feelings of shame cut deep. Healing the wounds shame leaves behind delivers profound relief - and the gift of deeper self-understanding.

Tend and Befriend

By Anjula Razdan — 2007-11-01

“Fight or flight” may be seen as the traditional choice when faced with stress, but your real response may depend on your gender.

Discovery Zone

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-10-01

For supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, the real beauty in life comes from seeking adventure, embracing new challenges and making healthy balance a lifelong priority.

Your Parents, Yourself

By Patrick Downes — 2007-10-01

When your aging parents aren't living as healthfully as you'd like, it can create a stressful situation – for them and you. Here's how to cope.

A Life of Adventure

By Bob Cooper — 2007-10-01

Adventure-travel opportunities for the over-50 crowd are rapidly expanding. Here's how to hook up with a trip that's just right for you.

Everyday Diplomacy

By Joseph Hart — 2007-10-01

Negotiation skills are not just for high-powered executives; they can help you improve your personal relationships while preserving your values.

The Path To Endurance

By Kathy Summers — 2007-10-01

There's more to building stamina than increasing your time on the treadmill. Find out how your endurance affects your overall health.

A Better Birth

By Kara Douglass Thom — 2007-09-01

Medical interventions have their place. But simpler, healthier birthing options abound – and they're becoming more popular. Want to make your pregnancy and labor as safe and empowering as possible? Consider your choices, including the birthing partners, plans and environments that suit you best.

Passing It On

By Jen Sinkler — 2007-09-01

Exercise specialist Erin O'Brien embodies her mission to empower healthy moms and healthy kids.

Gung-Ho Guy Trips

By Kermit Pattison — 2007-09-01

Dude-only vacations can bring guys closer and yield benefits far beyond simple camaraderie.

Play Together, Stay Together

By Alyssa Ford — 2007-09-01

Having fun with your partner can bring you closer -and keep you closer over time.

Kindhearted Kids

By Joseph Hart — 2007-09-01

Teach your children to share the wealth - and watch the dividends accrue.

Stop Seeking Love and Start Finding It

By Anne Geske — 2007-09-01

Dissatisfied with your relationships? Longing for greater closeness and appreciation from others? Maybe you're working a little too hard to win the happiness already within your grasp.

Wilderness Lessons

By Jack Armstrong — 2007-08-01

Can you make a fire without matches? Build a shelter with no tools? Track a small animal across a forest? At today's wilderness and survival schools, these skills aren't lost arts. They're tomorrow's lesson plans.

Five Elements for Five Seasons

By Karen Olson — 2007-08-01

How getting in touch with wood, fire, earth, metal and water can improve your health.

On the Edge

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-08-01

Adventurer Will Gadd scales rocks and kayaks choppy waters to deepen his connection with nature – and to spread the message that outdoor spaces are worth saving.

Live and Learn

By Erin Peterson — 2007-08-01

An active mind and a quest for knowledge can pay healthy dividends – now and in the future.

Strong Medicine

By Experience Life Staff — 2007-08-01

When we stop focusing on our weaknesses and start playing to our strengths we can transform our lives.

Psychogeography: The Art of Stress-Free Strolling

By Anne Geske — 2007-08-01

Stuck in a rut? "Psygeo" helps you explore your neighborhood - and your mind.

Breaking Away

By Teri Cettina — 2007-08-01

No longer content to simply watch, more and more Americans are traveling to the Tour de France to ride.

Born to Run

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-06-01

Whether piling up the training miles or racing against the world's top middle-distance runners, Olympian Carrie Tollefson just loves to run.

Vitality!

By Catherine Guthrie — 2007-06-01

Has modern life depleted your vitality? Here's how to reclaim it.

Community Matters

By Jon Spayde — 2007-06-01

A strong sense of community adds real value to our lives. It not only helps us feel more connected to the world around us, it also makes a measurable difference in our happiness – and our health.

Body Camp

By Kelle Walsh — 2007-06-01

Bring your athletic skills to the next level. Take your body and mind on a learning adventure. Attention campers: Your fitness-immersion experience is about to begin.

Listening to Jealousy

By Julie Hanus — 2007-06-01

Jealousy is a feeling that few of us welcome. But by noticing the messages that underlie our jealous feelings, we stand to discover a great deal about ourselves – and the unrecognized desires that may be trying to get our attention.

The Art of Reiki

By Sarah Moran — 2007-06-01

The ancient healing practice of Reiki can help you feel more balanced and relaxed. Discover what this alternative treatment entails – and the many other benefits it can bestow.

Tolerate Less

By Rich Broderick — 2007-06-01

When we stop putting up with the annoyances and energy drains in our daily lives, we start enjoying new clarity, vitality and satisfaction.

Start Seeing Toxins

By Alyssa Ford — 2007-05-01

Toxic chemicals surround us –often in the places we'd least suspect. Want to protect your body, your home and your world from harmful pollutants? Start by knowing where to look.

Take Me to the River

By Kelle Walsh — 2007-05-01

America's waterways inspire adventure and devotion.

Mind Over Mess

By Wanda Urbanska — 2007-05-01

How clearing out the clutter in your space can help you clear your head, too.

True Cost

By Greg Samza — 2007-05-01

When we begin to account for the "true cost" of our everyday purchases and choices, apparent bargains can become expensive indeed.

Better Than Ever

By Elizabeth Noll — 2007-05-01

When Steve Sticha realized he was eating for three, he revamped his meal plan and his way of life.

Real Alignment

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-05-01

Simran Sethi traveled the globe looking for ways to combine her passion for sustainability with her talent for storytelling.

Oceans Away

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-04-01

The world's oceans deserve more attention, says Philippe Cousteau Jr. So he's using his famous name and his gift for storytelling to raise the oceans' profile - and, he hopes, to ensure a better future for the planet.

The New View of Health

By Experience Life with reporting by Kelly Grace — 2007-04-01

Once perceived as the domain of medical experts tasked with keeping our symptoms at bay, the realm of personal healthcare has expanded. It now includes broader definitions, more integrated, preventive approaches – and, perhaps most important, us.

Earth-Friendly Forays

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2007-04-01

Outdoor excursions restore and rejuvenate your body, but if you travel with the environment in mind, your vacation can also help restore some of the world's most pristine wilderness.

Definitely Doable

By David Allen — 2007-04-01

Tired of making lists and then losing them in a pile of other lists? Try this proven, five-step approach to getting closure on the daily things that matter most.

Trance-Formation

By Patrick Downes — 2007-04-01

Hypnosis may sound magical and mysterious, but it's gaining real-life respect as a practical and powerful tool for healing.

Direct Your Attention

By Gregg Krech — 2007-04-01

Forget multitasking. Forget autopilot. The biggest rewards come from skillfully focusing our attention on just one thing at a time.

Striking a Balance

By Kelly Grace — 2007-03-01

Most of us know we work too much and rest too little. We long for balance. But with the pressures and pace of modern life always at our back, how do we step off this crazy merry-go-round? Here, we outline the top three barriers to achieving work-life balance – and offer practical wisdom for overcoming them.

Put Stress in Its Place

By Anjula Razdan — 2007-03-01

Tired of feeling victimized by stress? Learn how to transform it into something manageable – an perhaps even make it your friend.

What I Learned at the Spa

By Kelle Walsh — 2007-03-01

Today's destination spas don't just pamper your body. They expand your horizons – and change your life.

On the Other Side of Right

By Alyssa Ford — 2007-03-01

Feeling hermetically sealed in your own opinions? Opening your mind to other viewpoints can deepen your personal wisdom and broaden your horizons.

On Sabbatical

By Andi McDaniel — 2007-03-01

An extended break from work can improve your health, happiness - even your career performance. And it can be done.

Balancing Act

By Laine Bergeson — 2007-03-01

Life coach and author Cheryl Richardson explains why taking care of business first requires taking care of you.

Resolutions Workshop '07

By Anjula Razdan — 2007-02-01

Connect with your potential. Stretch your limits. Embrace your chosen future.

Winter in Yellowstone

By Kelle Walsh — 2007-02-01

Avoid the warm-weather crowds. Experience nature in all her frozen glory.

Where Fitness Fits In

By Kara Douglass Thom — 2007-02-01

In the context of other life priorities – such as career and family – sometimes our workout plans have to give a little. But how much, and for how long

The Mind's Eye

By Patrick Downes — 2007-02-01

Relax with guided imagery.

The Art of Doing Nothing

By Craig Cox — 2007-02-01

We tend to think of inspiration as the arrival of new ideas coming to us from the outside. But inspiration also emerges from inside of us - very often when we've eliminated the distractions that keep it at bay.

The Urge to Splurge

By Alyssa Ford — 2006-12-01

Emotion-induced shopping may seem harmless, but letting your feelings take over your wallet could end up costing you more than money.

Get Grateful

By Karen Olson — 2006-12-01

Boost your health, hope and happiness with a powerful dose of gratitude.

Sacred Roads

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2006-12-01

Looking for an adventure of a higher order? A pilgrimage can challenge your stamina while nourishing your spirit.

Centering Lessons (Part 2)

By Matthew Sanford — 2006-12-01

Author Matthew Sanford shares more secrets for reuniting body and mind.

Artistic Odyssey

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2006-11-01

Rediscover your creativity. Embark on an adventure that blends outdoor explorations with artistic pursuits. Your expressive side is calling . . .

Seeking the Stillness

By Cheryl Richardson — 2006-11-01

Frazzled? Scattered? A few moments of meditative silence can ground you in peace and calmness for the rest of the day.

Centering Lessons (Part 1 of 2)

By Matthew Sanford — 2006-11-01

Healing himself after a body-paralyzing accident taught Matthew Sanford many secrets of mind-body integration. They are secrets he wants to share.

Every Step Counts

By Elizabeth Noll — 2006-11-01

Marlene Christensen used exercise to stay in shape and put her cancer in remission.

De-Stress Your Driving

By Eliza Thomas — 2006-10-01

Does getting behind the wheel make you anxious or angry? embark on the road to relaxation with these commute-improving tips.

Busy Bodies

By Kelly Grace — 2006-10-01

Life in the fast lane might be exciting, but are you living quickly at the expense of living deeply? Learn how to say "no" to busyness and "yes" to what really matters.

More Than One Way Out

By Courtney Helgoe — 2006-10-01

Looking for a way out of depression? Antidepressant drugs are not your only option. And the relief offered by natural alternatives just might surprise you.

A Glacial Pace

By Monte Paulsen — 2006-10-01

One of Alaska's main attractions, Glacier Bay is prime wilderness - a sensory experience to be savored, not rushed.

Three Deep Breaths

By Experience Life Staff — 2006-10-01

Want a quick way to transform your reality? Start by breathing in focus, discovery and possibility - then see the world through different eyes.

The Mommy Track

By Elizabeth Noll — 2006-10-01

When Michelle Stark made the commitment to get healthy, she started shedding pounds - and the myths of what it means to be a mother.

Health: A Family Value

By Kermit Pattison — 2006-09-01

Raising a healthy family requires wisdom, determination – and a willingness to take the high road when convenience and convention beckon. Start with these healthy habits and you'll be well on your way.

Father and Son

By Joseph Hart — 2006-09-01

The connection a man has with his father shapes his life. Which is why every adult son must choose how that relationship will – or won't – define him.

Adventure Seekers

By Kelle Walsh — 2006-09-01

Why head for an overbuilt tourist trap? Natural beauty, family bonding and active adventures await when you go in search of the unexpected.

Surviving Teen Stress

By Andi McDaniel — 2006-09-01

Teenhood can be tough. But with a solid dose of compassion and some savvy coping skills, you can help your teen - and your family - survive these years with grace.

At Home in Your House

By Karen Olson — 2006-09-01

Want to enjoy more and better family time? Start by creating space for it. Learn how to lay the groundwork for the activities and interactions that matter.

Forever Young

By Eliza Thomas — 2006-08-01

Extreme adventurer and educator Dan Buettner has broken world records, cycled the globe and sought answers to some of humankind's greatest mysteries. Now he sets his sights on a new frontier: unearthing the secrets of healthy longevity.

Point-to-Point Appeal

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2006-08-01

Adventure by day, comfort by night. If you want to hike, cycle, paddle or ski farther – and see more of your chosen destination – a point-to-point adventure tour is a great way to go.

The Magic of Mentoring

By Karen Olson — 2006-08-01

Mentor or be mentored. Either way, you gain valuable wisdom and experience – and a meaningful personal connection. The best thing about mentoring? There's something in it for everyone.

The Long View

By Wanda Urbanska — 2006-08-01

Planning for the next month is one thing. Planning for 20 years down the road is entirely different. Here's why shaping your chosen future is most definitely worth the stretch, and how you can get started, now.

Nature Quest

By Karen Olson — 2006-06-01

Fresh air. Open sky. The beauty of the horizon. Most of us wish we could spend more time outside enjoying nature's gifts. Now, a growing body of research is giving us even more compelling reasons to heed those desires. Discover why time spent in nature is time wisely invested in personal well-being.

The Dark Fantastic

By Monte Paulsen — 2006-06-01

To explore the earth's deepest, darkest secrets, consider traveling to earth's deepest, darkest places. Discover the draw of caving, and decide if you, too, want to probe to new depths.

Everyday Adventures

By Anjula Razdan — 2006-06-01

Has your life become a bit too routine and predictable? Maybe you're due for a dose of the extraordinary.

The Nonvacationer's Vacation

By Cathy Madison — 2006-06-01

Think time off is a waste of time? For the sake of your health and happiness, you just might want to reconsider.

A Walk on the Wild Side

By Laine Bergeson — 2006-06-01

Whether he's teaching outdoor survival skills or hosting the History Channel's Digging for the Truth, Josh Bernstein seizes every opportunity to put himself in direct contact with nature's wisdom and wilderness.

True Friends

By Jodi Helmer — 2006-05-01

Do your friendships seem stuck in superficial ruts? If you crave deeper, richer connections, it may be time to take a few relationship risks.

Ancient Escapes

By Karen Nickel — 2006-05-01

Seeking a peaceful retreat and an unforgettable experience? Visit an old-growth forest. These undisturbed ecosystems link us to the past even as they connect us to the restorative power of the present moment.

Second Acts

By Wanda Urbanska — 2006-05-01

Is your well-traveled career path begging for a plot twist? Prepare to play out the most satisfying scenes of your life.

See the Connection

By Experience Life Staff — 2006-04-01

Your health depends on a complex, connect-the-dots network of variables that make up your ecosystem and the systems that sustain it. Discover the keys to keeping both you and your planet healthy – by following nature's models, and honoring life's connections.

Far & Away

By Jennifer Dennis — 2006-04-01

Hop off the double-decker bus. Then swap your same-old sightseeing for a more personal – and sensory – vacation experience.

Desperately Seeking Sidewalks

By Anjula Razdan — 2006-04-01

Could your neighborhood be making you fat? Researchers are digging deeper into evidence that suggests where you live may be essential to attaining good health, fitness and personal well-being.

Media-Diet Makeover

By Tess Walter — 2006-04-01

The images, sounds and words you absorb can influence your well-being and alter your view of reality. Is it time you reconsidered your media-intake habits?

Present Tense

By Karen Olson — 2006-04-01

Annoyed or upset by little things? Maybe your emotions are being triggered by past experiences. Learn how to live - and move beyond the patterns that no longer serve you.

Fit for Success

By Experience Life Staff with reporting by Paul Scott — 2006-03-01

Whether you work for a living or live for your work, managing your physical health and fitness may be more critical to your career than you realized. Find out why the shape you're in can make or break your success.

Business? Adventure!

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2006-03-01

Tired of shortchanging your exercise routine while you're traveling for work? Try blending your business trip with a total-body outdoor experience.

Critical Inquiry

By Elizabeth Larsen — 2006-03-01

Accepting critical feedback from others can be tough. But smart people know how to respond to criticism with grace -- and how to use it to their professional advantage.

Career Shifting

By Wanda Urbanska — 2006-03-01

Is your work life leaving you overwhelmed and uninspired? It may be time to shift gears - and change your career scenery.

Resolutions Workshop 2006

By Elizabeth L. Lane — 2006-02-01

Gearing up to write another mega-list of ways to make yourself better? Don't! Instead, choose what matters most, then chart your course toward real goal mastery.

See It, Believe It

By Courtney Helgoe — 2006-02-01

Imagine if everything went the way you wanted: your workouts, your relationships, your grandest career ambitions. Visioning can bring your life goals into clearer focus – and help you make them a reality.

Your Time, Your Type

By Ann M. Bauer — 2006-02-01

Your to-do list is driven by your priorities. But the way you work through that list is tied directly to your personality. What approach will help you become a better master of your time?

Putting Stock in Your Values

By Elizabeth Larsen — 2005-12-01

Ever worry that your investments in certain stocks and mutual funds aren't meshing with your personal values? Socially Responsible Investing offers an alternative -- and surprisingly good returns.

The Power of Language

By Cat Thompson — 2005-12-01

What if every word you uttered came true instantly? What if you were required to follow through on everything you said? How would your language change? Would even be able to talk at all?

Book Ends

By Clara Beacon — 2005-12-01

The first and last moments of your day can steady or destabilize everything that comes in between. Are your mornings and nights propping you up, or tipping you over?

A Weighted Lift

By Erin Peterson — 2005-12-01

Personal discipline, combined with professional guidance and encouragement, empowered 57-year-old Chris Braun to lose more than 140 pounds and become a nationally competitive powerlifter.

Life in the Fit Lane

By David Schimke — 2005-12-01

Are you using your body for real - or going through the motions of working out with no practical purpose? Maybe it's time you integrated your fitness pursuits with what you love and who you are.

Power Aging

By Dimity McDowell — 2005-12-01

Who says you can't get better with age? All you need is a little foresight, the right attitude and the will to do the work.

The Smart Money

By Erin Peterson — 2005-11-01

More than a decade ago, authors Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez helped launch the voluntary-simplicity movement with their ideas for living more richly – by spending less. Today, for many, that penny-wise approach seems smarter than ever.

Forgive and Forget

By Linda Wasmer Andrews — 2005-11-01

Still holding a grudge? Here's how to make peace with those who may have wronged you – and find more peace for yourself in the process.

Timeless Truths

By Frank Jude Boccio — 2005-11-01

Burdened by the complexities of modern life? An ancient philosophical tradition - based on Four Nobles Truths - may hold the answers you seek.

Go It Alone

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2005-11-01

Solo adventures can take you places you've never been, including some uncharted emotional territories.

Back on Track

By Jacquelyn B. Fletcher — 2005-11-01

Back pain prevented Jon Skare from enjoying life - until two focused workouts a week restored his vitality.

Measuring Meditation

By Leyla Kokmen — 2005-10-01

For centuries, proponents of meditation have hailed its potential for healing body and mind. Now, science is backing a growing number of those claims.

Think Fast

By Elizabeth Kadetsky — 2005-10-01

Paid attention to your gut feelings lately? Maybe you should. instinctive thinking is finally getting the respect it deserves.

Science Safaris

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2005-10-01

Work your body and your mind by volunteering for an outdoor research expedition - perhaps the toughest and most exhilarating vacation you'll ever enjoy.

Positive Feedback

By Donna Raskin — 2005-10-01

Biofeedback is an innovative and proven way to manage stress and optimize mind-body healing. Now, new technologies are making biofeedback more accessible.

Civil Unions

By Jacquelyn B. Fletcher — 2005-09-01

Why are we so rude to our spouses, yet courteous, kind and patient with complete strangers? Paying attention to good manners and small niceties may be the key to sustaining the vitality of your relationships.

Nature-Deficit Disorder

By Richard Louv — 2005-09-01

A generation ago, kids learned about the natural world by "going out to play." Today, many have virtually no experience with the unadulterated out-of-doors. Is this separation making our kids sick?

The Cool of Yoga

By Elizabeth Larsen — 2005-09-01

A growing number of teens are making friends with the yoga mat, for all the same reasons as grownups - and then some.

Camp Curious

By Erika Rasmusson Janes — 2005-09-01

There are summer camps - and then there are summer experiences. Is your kid ready for a skill-expanding adventure?

My Tribe

By Erin Peterson — 2005-09-01

Many Americans rely on friends, neighbors and coworkers for the support that family members once offered. Even if your own family is close-knit, you may benefit from cultivating a family-like circle of friends.

The Family That Plays Together

By Jacquelyn B. Fletcher — 2005-09-01

Scott and Jennifer Nelson are staying fit, busting gender stereotypes and raising three active kids. They wouldn't have it any other way.

The Taste of Contentment

By Cindy Kuzma — 2005-08-01

That supersized meal may leave you stuffed, but are you satisfied? Nutrition experts dish on how you can get more enjoyment from eating - and how you can eat better in the process.

Give a Little, Gain a Lot

By Nancy Christie — 2005-08-01

Lending a helping hand can lift both body and soul, but which cause is right for you? Here's how to find a volunteering opportunity that matches your needs, too.

Achievement Overload

By John de Graaf — 2005-06-01

Our obsession with the "trappings of success" too often eclipses our essential priorities. Are we passing this affliction on to the next generation?

The Power of Self-Coaching

By Joseph J. Luciani, PhD — 2005-06-01

Don't let fear, doubt and frustration hold you back. Create the satisfying, rewarding life you want by building five key personal-development skills.

Away From It All

By Debra Bokur — 2005-06-01

If peace and quiet have been in short supply, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness may be the getaway your body and soul crave.

Trouble at the Top

By Renee Moorefield, PhD — 2005-06-01

Whether heading a nonprofit or managing a multimillion-dollar company, most leaders discover their position comes with a price. Here's how you can lead without losing.

Big-Picture Partnering

By Jan Hoistad, PhD — 2005-05-01

Without a clear vision, even a strong love can lose its luster. Here's how to reframe your relationship for a better future.

One Thing at a Time

By Nancy Christie — 2005-05-01

Multitasking can rob you of the one thing you need most: your life focus.

Clear a Surface, Clear Your Vision

By Carole B. Hyder — 2005-05-01

A Feng Shui expert explains why cluttered desks, tables and countertops may be all that's standing between you and your next big accomplishment.

Center Stage

By Jacquelyn B. Fletcher — 2005-05-01

Singer, songwriter and mother of three, Stephanie Varone knows the value of setting goals - and sticking to them.

Back to the Land

By Dimity McDowell — 2005-04-01

Meet a new breed of athlete – fitness lovers who are leading the charge to protect and preserve access to the natural environments on which their favorite sports depend.

Meeting of the Masterminds

By Jan Hoistad, PhD — 2005-04-01

Get ready to learn, grow and reach your goals! Partner with your peers to achieve your full potential - and have some fun while you're at it.

Are You Living LOHAS?

By Jennifer Derryberry — 2005-04-01

Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) may be the most meaningful consumer trend you've never heard of. Are you part of it?

Stop the Office, I Want to Get Off!

Paul Scott — 2005-03-01

For many Americans, the world of work feels a bit like an endless ride – one that's spinning too fast and feeling more than a little out of control. But just how and why did we get strapped into this craziness? Understand the machinery of your own workaholic tendencies and you'll be one step closer to switching gears – and maybe even putting on the brakes.

A Sense of Adventure

Angela Pirisi — 2005-03-01

Dread them though you might, corporate retreats with a wild side can bolster confidence, build relationships and improve everybody's outlook.

Pet Peeved

Camilla H. Fox — 2005-03-01

You're working like a dog. But how is your work schedule working out for your faithful friend?

Making the Transition

Teri Cettina — 2005-03-01

The workday is done. You're heading for home – and into an adjustment period that can either make or break the rest of your day.

Working Well

By Eileen P. Gunn — 2005-03-01

With healthcare costs soaring and employees suffering from an increasing number of stress- and lifestyle-induced maladies, some employers are turning to corporate wellness programs to keep their people healthier, happier and more productive. And in many cases, it seems to be working.

Reinventing the Way You Work

By Cat Thompson — 2005-03-01

With nearly a fifth of the workforce doing employers more harm than good, the world of work is in a world of hurt. Fixing it means challenging some of our most ingrained beliefs.

Resolution Workshop: Life Launch

Experience Life Staff — 2005-02-01

Ready to have your best year ever? Two of the country's top coaches weigh in with advice on getting liftoff for the next phase of your life.

Getting off the Clock

David Schimke — 2005-02-01

Feeling the pinch of time poverty? Join the club. Better yet, join the growing national movement striving to reclaim those lost hours.

The Art of the Relapse

Cat Thompson — 2005-02-01

Instead of feeling like a failure when you fall back into old, unhealthy behaviors, consider embracing your relapses as mile markers on your route to success.

Fire Your Inner Taskmaster

By Elizabeth Larsen — 2004-12-01

Want to work for someone who pushes you relentlessly, criticizes your efforts and makes your entire life miserable? Of course not. So why are you doing it to yourself?

When the Spirit Moves You

By Laurel Kallenbach — 2004-12-01

Ready to expand your horizons? Try a journey into transformative territory – a spiritual retreat center.

Lines of Inquiry

By Clara Beacon — 2004-12-01

The questions we ask can lead us down paths of discovery and delight, or down corridors of doom and gloom. Which road are you taking?

The Art of Joy

By Cat Thompson — 2004-12-01

It's not a rat race for money, success and achievement. The quest for true happiness has far more value – for you and everyone around you.

Celebrate Your Success

By Experience Life Staff — 2004-12-01

Before you rush into setting health and fitness goals for the year ahead, stop and appreciate what you've already accomplished. A quick look back may be the best tool in evaluating what steps to take next.

The Touch That Heals

By Jennifer Pedalty — 2004-12-01

For pain, sprains, broken bones and even surgical wounds, healing touch is gaining clout as an energy medicine that helps the body heal itself.

Dream it, Do it!

By Elizabeth Larsen — 2004-11-01

There's no reason to put off your grandest goals and desires until "someday." Three life coaches offer guidance to help you harness your dreams, starting now.